Depression self-help tips
Depression is known to feed on our energy, drive and hope thereby making it very difficult for the patient to feel any better. But it is not impossible to overcome depression. Even in a severe and stubbornly persistent case, apparently the patient has some physiological control.
Depression recovery happens by utilizing the available energy and resources for taking small goals one day at a time. It is important to reward is also important after each accomplishment.
So, here are some common depression self-help tips:
Self-help tip # 1: Cultivating supportive relationships
Patients are commonly overwhelmed by feelings of shame, exhaustion and guilt at neglecting relationships. They can get the adequate support by:
a. Turning to trusted friends and family members for the help and support that they need.
b. Keeping up with social activities despite disliking them. The comfortable feeling created by retreating into a shell can be avoided by being around people.
c. Joining a depression support group enables people to share their experiences, give and receive encouragement and coping advice. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance's Support Group Locator can be used to mitigate feelings of isolation. Being a part of a support group.
Self-help tip # 2: Nurturing oneself by
a. Choosing enjoyable activities like enhancing one's creativity, picking up on a former hobby or sport, visiting places, going out with friends.
b. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes 8 hours of sleep, every day exposure to sunlight for some time and relaxation techniques.
c. Minimizing and coping with stress caused by work overload, substance abuse, unsupportive relationships, talking too much and health problems.
Self-help tip # 3: Regular exercise
Regular exercise is a potent anti-depressant because it contributes to mood enhancement and raises endorphin levels. The general advice is to start small and increase it to 30 minutes every day.
Self-help tip # 4: Mood-boosting diet
Try a mood boosting diet while getting the complete experience of eating (slowing down and paying attention) is highly recommended. Generally the diet should contain least amounts of sugar and refined carbs, more complex carbohydrates and should be supplemented with B-complex vitamins and chromium supplements.